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1. Discuss the role of rivers as major transportation routes and their influence on where people first settled.
Explain to students that rivers were among the first highways of the Americas. Many large cities grew alongside rivers and other waterways, because rivers provided convenient transportation before railroads and roads were built. Display for students the NG Education interactive map. Use the zoom bar and other navigation to explore more major cities and rivers in both North America and South America. Refer to the map to help inform the class discussion.
2. Have students choose a major river in the Americas to research and write about.
Distribute a copy of the worksheet Rivers in the Americas to each student. Have students select a major river to research. Allow students time on the Internet or in the school library to research their river, using the worksheet as a guide. Then have each student write a story from the point of view of the river. The story should be about the river’s journey from its source to where it empties into the sea, and should include factual information about the body of water.
3. Have students identify their rivers on a large map of the Americas.
Have students use yarn or markers to outline the river they selected on one of the large maps of the Americas from the Americas MapMaker Kit. Students should indicate the river’s source, its length, and where it empties into the sea. Students may also attach pictures or index cards with points of interest along the river.
4. Have students present their stories to the class.
Invite volunteers to read aloud the stories they wrote. Encourage the class to ask presenters questions about the rivers’ journeys.
Subjects & Disciplines
- Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- explain the historical importance of rivers as major transportation routes
- describe the relationship between rivers and where people decided to settle, and reasons for it
Teaching Approach
- Learning-for-use
Teaching Methods
- Discussions
- Hands-on learning
- Reading
- Research
- Writing
Skills Summary
This activity targets the following skills:
- 21st Century Themes
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Critical Thinking Skills
- Analyzing
- Understanding
- Geographic Skills
Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices
National Geography Standards
- Standard 1: How to use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to understand and communicate information
- Standard 9: The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface
What You’ll Need
Materials You Provide
- Index cards
- Markers
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pens
- Transparent tape
- Yarn
Required Technology
- Internet Access: Required
- Tech Setup: 1 computer per learner
Physical Space
- Classroom
- Computer lab
Grouping
- Large-group instruction
Other Notes
Before starting this activity, assemble the Americas Mega Map.
Background Information
A river is a large natural stream of flowing water. Rivers are found on every continent and on nearly every kind of land. Rivers were among the first highways of the Americas. Many large cities grew up alongside rivers and other waterways, which provided convenient transportation before railroads and roads were built.
Prior Knowledge
- None
Recommended Prior Activities
- None
Vocabulary
Websites
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Rivers and Streams
Only about three percent of Earth’s water is freshwater. Of that, only about 1.2 percent can be used as drinking water; the rest is locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, or buried deep in the ground. Most of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. From each river’s source, the water meanders through the landscape meeting up with other streams and shaping civilization as we know it. This water is the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. Teach your students about the Earth’s rivers and streams with the resources in this collection.
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Freshwater Ecosystem
Freshwater is a precious resource on the Earth's surface. It is also home to many diverse fish, plant, and crustacean species. The habitats that freshwater ecosystems provide consist of lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, streams, and springs. Use these classroom resources to help students explore and learn about these places.
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Ancient Civilizations: South America
Hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers, the ancient civilizations of South America developed rich and innovative cultures that grew in and amongst the geographic features of their landscape. The most famous of these civilizations is the Incan Empire. Emerging in 1438 C.E., the Incan Empire developed along the west coast of the continent, with the Pacific Ocean forming its western border, and the formidable Andes Mountains to the east, which provided a natural barrier from outsiders. The Inca relied on the Pacific Ocean and major rivers originating in the Amazon Basin for fishing and trade, as well as rich plant and animal life that they supported. The Inca constructed inns, signal towers, roads, and massive forts such as the famous Machu Picchu, the ruins of which continue to teach archaeologists about the Incan Empire. Learn more about the history and rich culture of the Inca and the ancient civilizations of South America with this curated resource collection.
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Understanding Rivers
A river is a large, natural stream of flowing water. Rivers are found on every continent and on nearly every kind of land.
-
Rivers and Streams
Only about three percent of Earth’s water is freshwater. Of that, only about 1.2 percent can be used as drinking water; the rest is locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, or buried deep in the ground. Most of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. From each river’s source, the water meanders through the landscape meeting up with other streams and shaping civilization as we know it. This water is the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. Teach your students about the Earth’s rivers and streams with the resources in this collection.
-
Freshwater Ecosystem
Freshwater is a precious resource on the Earth's surface. It is also home to many diverse fish, plant, and crustacean species. The habitats that freshwater ecosystems provide consist of lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, streams, and springs. Use these classroom resources to help students explore and learn about these places.
-
Ancient Civilizations: South America
Hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers, the ancient civilizations of South America developed rich and innovative cultures that grew in and amongst the geographic features of their landscape. The most famous of these civilizations is the Incan Empire. Emerging in 1438 C.E., the Incan Empire developed along the west coast of the continent, with the Pacific Ocean forming its western border, and the formidable Andes Mountains to the east, which provided a natural barrier from outsiders. The Inca relied on the Pacific Ocean and major rivers originating in the Amazon Basin for fishing and trade, as well as rich plant and animal life that they supported. The Inca constructed inns, signal towers, roads, and massive forts such as the famous Machu Picchu, the ruins of which continue to teach archaeologists about the Incan Empire. Learn more about the history and rich culture of the Inca and the ancient civilizations of South America with this curated resource collection.
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-
-
Understanding Rivers
A river is a large, natural stream of flowing water. Rivers are found on every continent and on nearly every kind of land.